Working on Christmas

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 17, 2004

What can ICU patients use?

Tiny christmas stocking with their name, filled with a lip balm and included one of the following dependent on patient need:

hand cream, deodorant, fingernail brush + files, nail clippers, shampoo + card.

Patient who was awake + eating would get a lifesaver roll too.

Patients/families always appreciated these little mementoes.

Working nights, other RN and I would try to shampoo vented patients hair, extra mouth care and play Christmas carols during change of shift over the intercom (if appropriate).

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Dec 17, 2004

What can ICU patients use?

Tiny christmas stocking with their name, filled with a lip balm and included one of the following dependent on patient need:

hand cream, deodorant, fingernail brush + files, nail clippers, shampoo + card.

Patient who was awake + eating would get a lifesaver roll too.

Patients/families always appreciated these little mementoes.

Working nights, other RN and I would try to shampoo vented patients hair, extra mouth care and play Christmas carols during change of shift over the intercom (if appropriate).

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 17, 2004

You should discuss this with the other nurses on your unit. There may be hosptial policies that apply. Also, the unit as a whole might be planning some sort of acknowledgement and/or gift and it might be better for you to participate in that rather than to go off on your own. Also, you need to be careful about setting up your colleagues to be viewed by the patients as "bad nurses" because they didn't give a gift like you did.

While your sentiments are noble ones and come from the best of motivations, you (and your patients) would be best served by working WITH you colleagues on this issue rather than setting yourself apart as a "lone wolf" who is not a team player. Find out what the unit's plans are and see how you can fit in and contribute as part of the team before taking independent action that could create as much trouble as it does cheer.

llg

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 17, 2004

You should discuss this with the other nurses on your unit. There may be hosptial policies that apply. Also, the unit as a whole might be planning some sort of acknowledgement and/or gift and it might be better for you to participate in that rather than to go off on your own. Also, you need to be careful about setting up your colleagues to be viewed by the patients as "bad nurses" because they didn't give a gift like you did.

While your sentiments are noble ones and come from the best of motivations, you (and your patients) would be best served by working WITH you colleagues on this issue rather than setting yourself apart as a "lone wolf" who is not a team player. Find out what the unit's plans are and see how you can fit in and contribute as part of the team before taking independent action that could create as much trouble as it does cheer.

llg

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

Your very sweet; The other's suggestions are good.

When I worked on a unit where we had patients who had been there awhile, I did give things like lip balm, small bottles of hand cream, little bottles of hand sanitizer, shaving cream; just those little travel size things.

I used to make cards for them, so they be a bit more personal.

Mary Ann

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004